RSS Feed
Sarah Ledet weds Brandon LeJeune
RAYNE - A six o’clock evening Nuptial Mass on Friday, June 1, 2018, at St. Joseph Roman Catholic Church joined Sarah Catherine Ledet of Rayne and Brandon Michael LeJeune of Youngsville in marriage.
The bride is the daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Timothy F. Ledet of Rayne. Her grandparents are Larry Moore of Rayne, the late Cynthia B. Leal, Catherine Sandberg of Zwolle and the late Eugene A. Ledet.
Sarah is a 2013 graduate of Notre Dame High School of Acadia Parish in Crowley, attained a bachelor’s degree in 2017 from The University of Louisiana at Lafayette, and is employed as a school teacher at Episcopal School of Acadiana in Lafayette.
The groom is the son of Mr. and Mrs. Michael L. LeJeune of Youngsville. His grandparents are Mr. and Mrs. Van Juno of Plaquemine and Mr. and Mrs. Lawrence LeJeune of Livonia.
Brandon is a 2012 graduate of St. Thomas More Catholic High School in Lafayette, a 2017 graduate attaining a bachelor’s degree at The University of Louisiana at Lafayette where he is pursuing a degree in education while employed as a musician.
The double-ring ceremony was celebrated by Fr. Christopher Cambre. Gifts were presented by Rachel Ledet and Robin Ledet.
On the arm of her father, the bride was stunning in a formal wedding gown of ivory organza designed with a sweetheart neckline and a complete overlay of sheer illusion styled with capped sleeves and bateau-illusion neckline. The embroidered overlay was accented throughout with delicate ivory lace, seeded pearls, crystals, and gathered at the natural waist with a slim satin belt gathered with a matching lace applique. A stylish, open back was designed with diagonal strands of seeded pearls and centered with small self-covered buttons which flowed into a semi-cathedral-length train edged with a lace-inspired hemline. Sarah completed her ensemble with a fingertip veil of sheer illusion detailed along the hemline with pearls, crystals and delicate lace to match her gown. She carried a large nosegay bouquet of coral, pink, light pink and ivory roses with accents of berries and greenery.
Traditional items selected by the bride for her wedding day included family heirloom silver candlesticks flanking the bride’s cake as something old, her wedding dress was something new, a garter from her grandmother worn on her wedding day as something borrowed and blue.
The bride’s two sisters, Elizabeth Ledet and Marie Ledet Cook, attended their sister as maid and matron of honor, respectively.
Bridesmaids were Anna Ledet, sister of the bride; Cherie McCabe and Maria LeJeune, sisters of the groom; and Liddy Rothermel, Demi LeJeune, Margaret Beslin and Hannah LeJeune, friends of the bride.
Bridal attendants each wore a sleeveless dress in a playful light-gold tone designed with a boat neck bodice of blush satin, cummerbund-style waist and flowing knee-length skirt of matte satin. Each carried a smaller version of the bride’s bouquet.
Attending the groom as best man was his brother, Jeremy LeJeune.
Groomsmen were Gabe LeJeune, brother of the groom; Sam McCabe, brother-in-law of the groom; Stuart Cook, friend of the groom and bride’s brother-in-law; Charlie Moore, cousin of the bride; and Philip Ledet, Chris Deville and Josh Durel, friends of the groom.
Ushering guests were Jack Moor and Tyler Ledet, cousins of the bride.
Male attendants each wore a black formal tuxedo, white shirt, formal black tie, and lapel noted with a rose boutonniere in a dark coral tone.
For her daughter’s wedding, the mother of the bride, Christy Moore Ledet wore an off the shoulder, A-line, floor-length dress in an evening black tone styled with a waist-length sheer popover bodice detailed with Swarkorski crystals. She was presented a wrist corsage of the bride’s selection of roses, berries and greenery.
The groom’s mother, Brenda Junot LeJeune selected a knee-length dress of delicate lace in a soft navy blue designed with a round neckline and short sleeves. She was also presented a wrist corsage to complete her ensemble.
Immediately following the wedding ceremony, the newlyweds were honored during a reception at The Crossing at Mervine Kahn in Rayne. Guests were welcomed to a guest registry including a formal round table topped with a guest book and a bed of assorted greenery which served as the base of a tall floral arrangement of roses, lilies, wisteria and assorted greenery gathered in a crystal vase.
In addition to it’s rustic charm and historical atmosphere, The Crossing was decorated with linen-topped round guest tables which held simple floral arrangements and assorted candles. Pillars held twinkle lights and the candlelight setting was filled with candles and spotlights.
Among the refreshments provided was the bride’s cake, a three-layered white confection designed with a ribbed effect and sparsely accented with live pink roses and nestled atop a bed of greenery.
The groom’s cake was an amusing confection displayed as a box of donuts with a dozen of the sweet treats spilling from the box.
Following a wedding trip to Freeport, Bahamas, the couple will reside in Rayne.
Prior to the wedding, a rehearsal dinner was held Thursday, May 31, hosted by the groom’s parents at Chef Roy’s Frog City Café in Rayne. Guests were served salad and their choice of grilled chicken, fried shrimp and ribeye, along with dessert and beverages.
Adding to the rustic and beautiful décor of the evening was a special display including photos of the couple as children until their wedding day when they were joined as husband and wife.
Rayne State Bank celebrates 75 years of service
RAYNE - Guests were welcomed to Rayne State Bank and Trust Company on Tuesday, July 3, in celebration of the bank’s 75th aniversary of its inception in 1943.
Customers and guests were treated to refreshments including a special anniversary cake.
Established in 1943, Rayne State Bank and Trust Company has been reinvesting in its local communities for 75 years.
It currently operates through six conveniently located offices in Rayne, Carencro, Church Point and Lafayette.
Rayne State Bank can also be found online at bankonnet.com.
Earlier in the year, BauerFinancial, Coral Gables, Florida, the Nation’s Premier Bank Rating Firm, announced that Rayne State Bank and Trust Company, Rayne, was once again secured a 5-Star rating. (A five-star rating indicates the bank excels in areas of capital adequacy, profitability, asset quality and much more.)
Rayne State Bank has earned and maintained this top honor for 50 consecutive quarters putting it in an even more prominent position as an “Exceptional Performance Bank”. This designation is reserved for those banks securing a 5-Star rating for 40 consecutive quarters or longer.
“Because community banks put their focus on local people and small businesses, they are perfectly positioned to provide the specialized support that is unique to their area,” acknowledges Karen L. Dorway, president of BauerFinancial. “Community banks, like Rayne State Bank and Trust Company, promote local growth by investing back into the same neighborhoods that their deposits come from. By fostering these local relationships, they achieve two goals: they are highly capitalized and they are accountable to their customers.”
Post 77 Legion, Auxiliary Unit 77 install officers
RAYNE - New officers were sworn in Tuesday, July 10, as members of Arceneaux Post 77, American Legion, and ladies of Auxiliary Unit 77, hosted a joint installation ceremony, presentation of awards and dinner.
Commander David Simon welcomed everyone to the 2018 annual event, with Lorraine Shelton-Gaines leading the opening prayer and Pledge of Allegiance. Ray Olinger read the POW/MIA Creed as the POW/MIA Table was noted, and Commander Simon led the Preamble.
Mayor Charles “Chuck” Robichaux “thanked everyone for his invitation for this special event” as he described.
“I, along with most people of our community look up to you all for what you gave to our country and other countries around the world, your service.”
In addition, Robichaux also committed the City’s help and assistance when in need to help with any projects the local Post may have.
Robichaux also thanked Post 77 for their help and foresight by working closely with the city administration in the creation of the soon-to-be-completed Veterans Park.
He also reminded everyone to attend the long and anticipated Rayne Veterans Park dedication slated July 16 including a special ceremony in the Mural Room, refreshments and tour of the new park.
Robichaux also assured everyone that veteran bricks where still available for purchase to honor a veteran. Bricks will be inserted into the memorial structure, serving as reminder of the brave individuals who served our country for freedom around the world.
Guests and visitors were introduced and welcomed to the special event by Commander Simon and Auxiliary President Bonnie Simon, including the installing officers, Area C Commander Jeff Schendel of Post 15 in Crowley, Auxiliary President Joanie Schendel of Auxiliary Unit 15 in Crowley.
The new slate of American Legion Post 77 officers presented and installed were Commander David Simon, First Vice Ray Olinger, Second Vice Robley Moreau, Third Vice John Quebodeaux, Junior Past Commander Gene Comeaux, Financial Officer Lorraine Shelton Gaines, Chaplain Robert Comeaux, Judge Advocate Shane Mouton, Sgt.-at-Arms Andrew Habetz, Color Bears Wilson LeDoux and Harold Arceneaux, Advisor to the Commander Andrus Fontenot, and Adjutant Lee John.
Scheduled to begin another year of service, Commander Simon extended a sincere thank you for everyone’s assistance throughout the past year for the many projects the American Legion has completed, especially to Robley and Chris Moreau and Keith Fontenot for their help. He also extended special appreciation to Auxiliary Unit 77 for their assistance and support.
The new slate of Auxiliary Unit 77 officers installed included President Bonnie Simon, First Vice Louise Thibodeaux, Second Vice Lena Domingue, Secretary Mary Jane Cormier, Treasurer Peggy Fontenot, Chaplain Mary Menard, Color Bearer Joyce Lyons, and Sgt.-at-Arms Joann Cormier.
Beginning another term, President Simon thanked everyone for their help and assistance during the past year of service and presented a special certificte of appreciation.
Auxiliary Louise Thibodeaux made two special presentations to long-time Auxiliary President Bonnie Simon for her long-term dedicated service: (1) Citation for Meritorious Service and Loyal Cooperation and (2) Outstanding Attributes of American Legion Auxiliary Unit 77 Medal.
70-year-plus legionnaire Leo Spaetgens was also called upon in honor of his 96th birthday. As a special portion of the evening, Spaetgens gave a first-hand account of his travels and service during WWII.
Following his account, Spaetgens commented, “I’m certain, without a doubt, the Good Lord answered my prayers to return home safe, but also blessed me with a long and healthy life.” He was honored with a standing ovation by the audience.
Following the closing prayer and blessing of the meal, a delicious meal was enjoyed by all.
New Rayne Veterans Park dedication held
RAYNE - In a most impressive presentation held Monday, July 16, in the Mural Room of the Civic Center Complex, the long-awaited official dedication ceremony was held for the Rayne Veterans Park.
The park is located on Gossen Drive, part of Rayne’s Gossen Memorial Park.
State Senator Jonathan W. Perry served as the master of ceremonies for the 6 p.m. special event.
In a special display of patriotism, the Colors were presented by the Acadiana Veterans Honor Guard, followed by the acknowledgment of each veteran in attendance as per each of the five branches of the military.
Leo Spaetgens led the Pledge of Allegiance, with the National Anthem sung by Rayne City Clerk Annette Cutrera.
The Invocation was presented by Fr. Richard Wagner of Our Mother of Mercy Catholic Church.
Mayor Charles “Chuck” Robichaux delivered the official welcome on behalf of the city; thereby, acknowledging special guests in attendance.
“This project took a long time to be completed,” Robichaux said. “And it also took many people, especially this group,” as he presented members of the Veterans Park Task Force, including Chairman Larry J. Guidry (Major, Air Force - retired), Mike Bourque (E-7, Navy), Robert Comeaux (Spec. 4, Army), Andrus Fontenot (Sgt., Army), Lorraine Shelton-Gaines (Col., Air Force - retired), Robert “Bob” Landry (Spec. 5, Army) and James Montgomery (Army).
“From when this all began in 2013 under then-Mayor Roland Boudreaux and members of the Task Force, many people have helped along the way. You all have our thanks for something our city can be proud of.”
The first guest speaker was Chris Sullivan of Rayne, veteran and Field Representative and Veteran Liaison from the office of U.S. Congressman Clay Higgins.
Sullivan gave his account of his service during the Iraqi War, where he sustained critical injuries which left him in a wheelchair.
“It has taken time to heal,” Sullivan noted, “but, I’m determined to do anything that the Lord allows me to accomplish. I made a promise on that battlefield to serve God and veterans, and that’s what I’m doing.”
Spaetgens, a 96-year-old life-long resident of Roberts Cove, gave his account during his service during World War II as a member of the U.S. Navy.
“I truly believe God saved my life while bombs fell around our ship,” Spaetgens said. “And I also believe He’s the one who allowed me to return home safe and enjoy a long and healthy life.”
Chairman Guidry address the standing-room-only crowd and acknowledged all veterans and recognized the Task Force members.
Guidry ended his presentation with, “Veterans, thank you for your part in keeping us safe and protecting our freedoms and for your commitment. May God bless you and your families. And may God bless the United States of America.”
Mayor Robichaux, Rayne Police Chief Carroll Stelly and guest speaker Sullivan unveiled the bronze plaques that will be placed at the Veterans Park.
During a surprise, special presentation, Sen. Perry and veteran Sullivan presented a U.S. Flag that had flown over the U.S. Capital to Guidry in recognition of his dedication and leadership towards the completion of the Veterans Park.
Pastor Cozy Gage Sr., St. Matthew Baptist Church, gave the Blessing of the Meal and Closing Prayer, followed by a delicious meal enjoyed by all.
